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Hondo Seto Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Amakusa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hondo Seto Lighthouse

Hondo Seto lighthouse, established in 1983, is a red, cylindrical concrete tower standing 7.5 meters tall. It is supported by three concrete piles and situated at a right-angled bend in the narrow passage between Kami Shima and Shimo Shima islands. The light emits a red flash every 6 seconds, visible for 10.4 nautical miles. The structure's focal plane is 10 meters above sea level. While the site is open to visitors, the tower itself is closed. The nearest port, Omon, is 0.5 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe navigation through the narrow, right-angled passage between Kami Shima and Shimo Shima, providing a critical directional aid in a demanding waterway.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Red 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl R 6s
Focal Height
10m
Geographic Range
10.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1983

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower supported by three concrete piles

Location

City
Amakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
a right-angled bend of the narrow passage between the islands of Kami Shima and Shimo Shima
Latitude
32.4248°
Longitude
130.2188°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Omon(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M5152.5
NGA No.
11494
USCG No.
JCG-6457.5
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hondo Seto Lighthouse at night?+
Hondo Seto displays the characteristic Fl (2) Red 6s — 2 red flashes every 6 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hondo Seto Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hondo Seto Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hondo at 2 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Amatsuke (2.7 NM S), Mogine (3.1 NM NNW), Shimotsuura (5.1 NM NE), Tanasoko (6.3 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hondo Seto Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hondo Seto Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Hondo Seto Lighthouse?+
Hondo Seto Lighthouse is located within the Japan / Korea shipping lane — a busy shipping corridor linking the major ports of Japan and South Korea. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Hondo Seto Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hondo Seto Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.